The Sri Lanka Experience Add-on

Arrive at the airport where you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Colombo. This afternoon, undertake a city tour within Sri Lanka's commercial capital; alive with a quirky urban ambience this bustling metropolis is a striking juxtaposition to Sri Lanka's quintessential rural landscapes and, offers a multitude of tourist hotspots and captivating hidden gems to discover. Your driver/guide can show you Colombo's highlights including the culturally diverse bazaar of the Pettah district for a unique shopping experience and a visit to the Buddhist Gangarama Temple's eclectic architectural display boasting superb views of the city skyline across Beira Lake. The capital is renowned for laidback bars including those found at the Dutch Hospital - steeped in rich colonial history - and the best selection of restaurants in Sri Lanka. Continue on to the Ramada Colombo or similar for dinner and your overnight stay.

This morning take a scenic drive past a verdant backdrop of Sri Lanka's countryside before arriving in the city of Kandy. Known as the capital of the hill country, this cultural hub is surrounded by luscious countryside and hosts some of the country's most important historical sights. Tour the Temple of the Tooth, an epicentre of the UNESCO sacred city and one of the holiest shrines said to house a relic of the Buddha. Visit the Gem Museum to inspect the magnificent stones sourced from the nearby riverbeds that are still traditionally panned for. In the evening take in a riveting cultural show that incorporates local music and dance. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Topaz or similar.

Journey to the nearby Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a stunning display of native flora once reserved for royalty; a vivid collection of orchids, towering coconut palms, and an aromatic spice garden reside within this area of outstanding natural beauty. En route, stop off at the tea plantation to learn how prestigious Ceylon Tea is grown and processed before arriving in the city of Nuwara Eliya. As you enter this picturesque location observe endless waterfalls and rolling hills blanketed by luscious tea bushes; drive past striking colonial houses, rose gardens and well-kept hedges which are reminiscent of the English countryside on your way to the hotel for the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Mirage Kings Cottage or similar.

This morning travel through the hill country to your next hotel situated near a tour highlight, the Udawalawe National Park - One of Sri Lanka's most beloved parks. Tour this expansive reservation from the comfort of a jeep and spot the heard of elephants who roam the plains with their baby calves. Surrounded by a breathtaking mountainous backdrop, your safari will take you past the reservoir to see macaques, crocodiles and if you're lucky, you may spot the elusive leopards, sloth bears or porcupines that reside within the dense jungles of the park. Dinner and overnight stay at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort (or similar).